What is a Chemical Peel?

What is a Chemical Peel?

The word peel can be a pretty scary word with regards to our skin especially when we think of the Sex in The City episode where Samantha went into hiding behind a big black hat and a vail because of her red, peeling face. Today, the approach to this skin treatment is more persistent than it is aggressive and produces minimal down time. Chemical exfoliation is a very effective treatment for creating beautiful skin any where on the body including face, hands, neck, chest, back, and arms. It removes dead skin cells, reduces uneven pigmentation, increases hydration, diminishes large pores and softens the appearance of fine lines and rough texture.

Our skin’s surface, known as the stratum cornium, naturally renews itself approximately every 28 days by replacing dead cells on the surface. This process slows over time due to the normal aging process as well as environmental damage. Chemical exfoliation is performed using a variety of solutions that loosen the dead layer causing it to shed. This controlled injury stimulates cells to produce more collagen and elastin restoring the skin texture, improved tone and evening out the color.

To get the most out of a professional peel a thorough consultation should be performed. Your goals and what you have done to take care of your skin, up to this point, is important information which can affect the outcome of your treatment. A visual evaluation along with the use of imaging and a woods lamp ensures the success of a treatment program. A supportive home skin care regime should be used to prep your skin for 10-14 days before your first treatment and proper care after is very important to maximize the results. Often times a patch test is done during the consultation to test for skin sensitivity. Following the treatment proper home care will enhance the results in the same way that having peels can improve product penetration. They work together to obtain the best results. Most everyone and all skin type can benefit from a chemical exfoliation treatment. Contraindications would be Accutane use, Retin A use within 5 days, pregnancy or lactating, active sun exposure or tanning bed use, waxing services, recent injectables and any compromised surface condition such as eczema, scratches, wounds, cold sores and/or inflammation. The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification used to determine the amount of melanin in the skin and guides the esthetician in choosing the best peel options for the desired outcome.

There are many different types of exfoliating/peeling agents ranging from fruit acid enzymes such as papaya which decompose dead skin to commonly used acids like Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids such as lactic, glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acid. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), and Jessner solutions are also an option. Solutions can be blended together creating custom designer formulations and often times include tyrosinase inhibitors to decrease pigment. All peels come in varying potency and PH which increases or decreases penetration and irritation. Some are left on while others are removed after the desired length of time. Dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are manual exfoliation methods that can be performed solely or in conjunction with a chemical peel. Doing so can increase penetration of a peeling solution due to removing two to three layers of skin before the application of the peeling agent. The decision to possibly have a deeper peel is based on the amount of damage an individual has. Professional estheticians perform light to medium depth peels and deeper peels, which can reach the deeper dermal layer, should be performed by a medical doctor. It isn’t always the best option to go deeper and consistent light to medium depth peels can be just as effective if done regularly with the appropriate solution. Working with an experienced esthetician is very important.

Consistency and commitment is important for the best results and it is recommended to have a series of a minimum of 6 peels performed regularly, every 2-3 weeks, depending on skin conditions. As you proceed through the program, constant consultation, evaluation and customization of the solutions will be decided upon based on the results you are achieving. Remember, your part is also critical with a commitment to proper home care every day, twice a day. Once the six treatments are completed, maintenance should be done approximately every 4-6 weeks and can be achieved with fruit enzymes incorporated into a facial treatment for long lasting results. You will experience minimal irritation and virtually no down time while delivering maximum results. Your skin will look more radiant, luminous, and less likely to show signs of discoloration. Skin is healthier, younger looking and more beautiful.

Call today for your clinical consultation and have the beautiful skin you desire in time for the holidays.